In a bid to empower the youth of Dubai and enhance their readiness for the future, the Community Development Authority (CDA) organised a workshop titled “Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence” at Al Awir Council to commemorate International Youth Day. The initiative aims to introduce young individuals to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in ideation and content creation.
Empowering the Youth for a Sustainable Future
Aligned with its vision for a proactive and sustainable community, the CDA strives to equip young people with essential knowledge and skills for the future. The workshop, delivered by Ibrahim Bouhyioul, an AI content creator, covered key topics including the concept of AI, its operational mechanisms, future prospects, emerging global trends, recent innovations, digital security, data protection, effective command structuring, and practical applications.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Participants engaged in practical exercises using various AI tools, enabling them to select appropriate resources tailored to their needs. This hands-on approach aimed to foster digital skills, creativity, and the application of AI in learning and professional environments.
Investing in Youth Knowledge
Saeed Al Tayir, Executive Director of the Institutional Support Sector at CDA, emphasised the importance of empowering youth with future-ready skills as a vital investment in Dubai’s future. “We believe that youth are key partners in development, and providing them with knowledge that keeps pace with rapid changes enhances their ability to innovate and contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future,” he stated. Al Tayir highlighted AI’s role as a significant tool for learning, creativity, and solution development, asserting the necessity for responsible use of these technologies to benefit the community positively.
Aligning with Dubai’s Social Agenda
This initiative aligns with the goals of Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, which focusses on placing people at the core of development. It supports cultivating generations equipped with future skills poised to address evolving challenges and elevate Dubai’s status in innovation and knowledge-based economy.
AI in Content Creation and Entrepreneurship
Ibrahim Bouhyioul shared insights with Emirates Today, noting that the rise of AI in content creation accelerates production processes and enriches quality. He acknowledged that AI can help overcome challenges facing youth in entrepreneurship, such as financial management and preparing estimates and invoices, by training the AI ecosystem with suitable information.
Future Projections and Community Applications
Bouhyioul anticipates a transformative shift in AI applications across all areas of life, benefitting everyone from students to retirees. Members of the CDA Youth Council reinforced this sentiment, stating that AI in the social sector enhances work quality and provides initiatives and solutions to challenges while maintaining the importance of safeguarding personal data.
Responsible AI Usage in Work Environments
Fatima Al Naqbi, Executive of Financial Benefits at CDA and Deputy Chair of the Youth Council, highlighted that the use of AI in the workplace should adhere to clear guidelines due to handling sensitive data. While AI can aid in proposing actionable solutions for humanitarian cases, it requires a careful assessment based on each situation’s specific needs.
Practical AI Applications in Daily Life
Several young professionals shared their personal experiences using AI. For instance, Hassan Yousef, Senior Accountant at CDA, utilises AI for analysing invoices and financial reports, significantly reducing time and effort. He stressed the need for verification of AI-generated data before relying on it completely.
Mohammed Al Falasi, Community Program Executive at CDA, spoke about utilising AI to balance his daily activities, including work, exercise, and travel planning. Additionally, he leverages AI for financial management, budgeting, and tracking expenses against his financial goals.
With initiatives like these, the CDA not only fortifies the skills of Dubai’s youth but also paves the way for innovation and sustainable development, securing a brighter future for the community.